Spouse Visa

The UK is a welcoming destination for families and partners wishing to build their lives together. If you’re planning to join your spouse or partner in the UK, applying for a spouse visa is a crucial step. This guide provides a complete overview of eligibility, financial requirements, processing times, application costs, and your rights once in the UK.
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What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse Visa allows foreign nationals to live in the UK with their British or settled partner (including those with indefinite leave to remain or refugee status). This visa is part of the UK’s family immigration route and is suitable for:

  • Married couples
  • Civil partners
  • Unmarried partners who’ve lived together for at least 2 years

This visa is typically granted for an initial 30 months and can be extended, with a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.

Spouse Visa Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must meet several core requirements. These include:

  • Both you and your partner must be over 18
  • You must be legally married, in a civil partnership, or in a relationship akin to marriage for 2+ years
  • Your partner must be a British citizen or hold ILR, settled/pre-settled status, or refugee protection
  • You must intend to live together permanently in the UK
  • You must meet the English language requirement
  • You must meet the financial requirements set by the UK Home Office
  • You’ll need to provide documents proving your relationship is genuine and ongoing, including communication history, photos, and joint financial commitments.

Accepted Relationships and Documents Needed

You can apply for a UK Spouse Visa if your partner is:

  • A British citizen
  • Settled in the UK (ILR or EU Settled Status)
  • A refugee or protected person

You’ll need to submit:

  • A valid marriage or civil partnership certificate (or evidence of living together for 2 years)
  • Proof of ongoing communication (emails, messages, calls)
  • Photos of time spent together
  • Travel records, bills, or joint accounts

Unmarried partners must show they’ve lived together for at least 2 years in a relationship similar to marriage.

UK Spouse Visa Processing Times

The processing time for your UK Spouse Visa depends on where you’re applying from

Applying from Outside the UK

  • You can apply at any time. Decisions are usually made within 12 weeks of biometrics submission.

Applying from Inside the UK (Switching or Extension)

  • If switching from another visa or applying for an extension, the processing time is 8 weeks.

Priority Services

  • Available in some locations with a faster decision (as little as 5 working days) for an additional fee.

Delays can happen if extra documents are requested or if your case is complex, so it’s always best to apply early.

English Language Requirement

To qualify for a spouse visa, you must prove your ability to speak and understand English. You can meet this requirement by:

  • Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Australia, New Zealand)
  • Passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 (for first-time applicants)
  • Holding a degree taught or researched in English and recognized by UK NARIC
  • Having previously met this requirement in another UK visa application

For visa extensions, you’ll need to meet a higher level of CEFR level A2.

UK Spouse Visa Application Costs and Other Fees

Applying for a UK Spouse Visa includes several mandatory and optional fees. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Visa Application Fee

  • Outside the UK: £1,846
  • Inside the UK (extension/switching): £1,048

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

  • £1,035 per year
  • For a 2.5-year visa, you’ll pay £2,587.50 upfront

3. Optional Fees

  • Priority processing: Approx. £573
  • Document translation or notarisation (if needed)
  • English language test: £150–£200, depending on provider

Fees may change, so always check the official gov.uk website before applying.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Spouse Visa

Once your UK Spouse Visa is approved, you’ll receive full details of what you’re allowed to do in the UK. This visa grants several rights, but also includes a few restrictions.

What You Can Do

  • Live in the UK with your partner
  • Work and be self-employed
  • Study part-time or full-time
  • Travel in and out of the UK freely
  • Apply for ILR after 5 years (if all conditions are met)

What You Cannot Do

  • Claim most public funds or benefits
  • Live apart from your partner long-term
  • Switch to this visa from certain categories (e.g., visitor visa) unless specific conditions are met
  • Overstay your visa without renewal

Violating visa conditions can affect your immigration status and future applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a UK Spouse Visa valid?
The initial visa is valid for 30 months (2.5 years). You can apply for a 2.5-year extension, leading to ILR after 5 years total.
Yes, unless you’re from an English-speaking country or already met the requirement in a previous visa.
Yes. You can work full-time, start a business, or be self-employed without restrictions.
Yes, you can include dependent children under 18 in your application if they meet eligibility criteria.
The current financial requirement is £29,000/year (raised from £18,600 in 2024). Higher amounts may be needed if bringing children.
Yes, if you’re already in the UK on a valid visa (except for visit visas or short stays), you may be eligible to switch.
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Crown Visa is dedicated exclusively to helping clients secure UK visa approvals. Our proven track record reflects our expertise and in-depth knowledge of the UK immigration system. Whether you’re an employer seeking skilled workers from abroad or an individual wishing to reunite with family in the UK, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.